Day Trip to Aït Benhaddou

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Duration
1 day
Location
High Atlas Mountains
Group Size
Up to 12 people
Transport
Private Vehicle
Difficulty
Medium
Best Season
All year round
This 1-day tour begins and ends in Marrakech, with the option to extend your holiday in the Atlas Mountains for a longer escape. Leave the bustle of the city behind and immerse yourself in the natural beauty and cultural richness of the Ourika Valley, one of the most accessible and picturesque day trips from Marrakech. As you journey towards the Atlas Mountains, you’ll pass lush green meadows, riverside scenery, and authentic Berber villages dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries. If your tour falls on a Monday, you’ll also have the chance to stop at a lively roadside souk, where locals gather to trade goods and produce. Taking a scenic and lesser-known route, you’ll make your way to the remarkable Ksar of Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. This fortified village is a stunning example of southern Moroccan earthen architecture, where homes are nestled within high defensive walls reinforced by traditional corner towers. Enjoy a guided tour of the ancient settlement, and don’t miss the climb to the hilltop for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape—an unforgettable highlight of the day. This full-day tour combines natural beauty, historical insight, and cultural exploration, making it the perfect getaway for those looking to see a different side of Morocco beyond the city.

Itinerary

  • Day 1: Marrakech – Tizi Ntichka pass 2660 – Aït Benhaddou

    Journey through breathtaking countryside via Tizi n'Tichka Pass (2,260m) our first sightseeing of the day is at Telouet, a village on the 'Route of the Caravans' from the Sahara over the Atlas Mountains to Marrakech. Telouet has one of the most spectacular Kasbahs in the Atlas, once the palatial residence and headquarters of the powerful Glaoui tribe. Taking a little used back road, we arrive at Aït Benhaddou. Inscribed by UNESCO in 1987 as a 'World Heritage Site', the Ksar of Ait Benhaddou is a striking example of the architecture of southern Morocco. The Ksar, a group of earthen buildings surrounded by high walls, is a traditional pre-Saharan habitat. The houses crowd together within the defensive walls, which are reinforced by corner towers. After a guided tour of the ancient settlement, be sure to walk up to the high point on the hill above the Ksar for outstanding views. Late in the afternoon, you’ll make the return drive to Marrakech.

What's included

What's not included

From £120 / Person